The Soldiers

They were French, German, British and Colonials

Frontline Trenches

Group of French servicemen, “Poilus”, in front of the entrance of a cote. Woods of Hirtzbach. (Haut-Rhin. France. June 16th, 1917).
From David Latapie (merci beaucoup!) “Poilus” (hairy) is the nickname to French WWI soldiers, since they could not afford the luxury of regular shaving. It is a term of affection, especially now.
Tranchée de 1ère ligne. Groupe de militaires Français “Poilus”, devant l’entrée d’un abri. Bois d’Hirtzbach. (Haut-Rhin. France. 16 juin 1917).

Boyaux – Communication Trenches

Boyaux were trenches or tunnels of communication that provided covered passage between parallels and from parallels to batteries in an attack by regular approaches. Boyaux for infantry were usually just wide enough for the passage of two men (4 to 5 feet); dimensions could be increased when it was necessary to pass artillery through the trenches rather than move guns and howitzers into position over open ground under cover of darkness. Boyaux were usually advanced from covered positions in rear of the trenches of an attack and from parallel to parallel in zig-zag patterns that defiladed the trenches from defensive artillery and small arms fire.
Cezaro means Cesar in French, just like soldiers gave names to the trenches in WWI.
Largitzen refers to the French region of Largitzen, which is in the extreme east of France, south of Alsace.

Some NCO’s after July 8 attack

The noncommissioned officers of the 370th having been subjected to the attack of July 8th on the way of the Ladies. (Village of Soissons. Aisne. France. 1917).
Les sous-officiers du 370ème ayant subi l’attaque du 8 juillet au chemin des Dames. (Commune de Soissons. Aisne. France. 1917).

General Anthoine, First Army Commander.

Frontline Trenches

Frontline trenches. Group of French servicemen, “Poilus”, in front of the entrance of a cote. Woods of Hirtzbach. (Haut-Rhin. France. June 16th, 1917). From David Latapie (merci beaucoup!) “Poilus” (hairy) is the nickname to French WWI soldiers, since they could not afford the luxury of regular shaving. It is a term of affection, especially now. Tranchée de 1ère ligne. Groupe de militaires Français “Poilus”, devant l’entrée d’un abri. Bois d’Hirtzbach. (Haut-Rhin. France. 16 juin 1917).

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Senegalese Soldiers

From reader Paul Jackson in the UK:
“The Troupes de Marine have a maritime heritage and their badge is a fouled anchor. They are now incoporated into the army. They apparently still have a particular role now in being soley deployed for overseas operations and, when France was a colonial power, were often regarded as a colonial force.
In WW1 many of the Senagalese and other colonial troops were in the Troupes de marine.They fought with incredible valour and great sacrifice.”
Paul provided the following link for more examples: Mémorial Virtuel du Chemin des Dames
Thanks, Paul, for the additional information!